Young musicians urged to join new youth orchestra |19 February 2016

With the aim of engaging more young people in musical activities, the School of Music of the National Conservatoire of Performing Arts (NCPA) has launched a National Youth Orchestra.

The orchestra is under the direction of David Mingay, a part-time music teacher at the school.

The launch ceremony took place last Friday at the auditorium of the National Library in the presence of the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange, the principal secretary for culture Benjamine Rose, parents and other guests.

During the ceremony, they got a chance to listen to the first group of musicians playing two short pieces, followed by an introduction to the orchestra by the director of the conservatoire Pierre Joseph.

Minister St Ange said a few words of encouragement to the children in the orchestra and commended NCPA for this initiative.

“We appreciate that there is talent in our country, but talent needs to find a door to expand, grow, flourish and finally be recognised,” he said.

He also said it’s important for them to be heard and represent Seychelles so he proposed for them to have a demonstration on April 21 at the conference with carnival press and partners.

The National Youth Orchestra is made up of existing students of the School of Music aged 7 to 15 and the range of music varies from classical, film music to orchestrated pop music.

It is open to everyone under 20 regardless of ability - no auditions.

The orchestra currently has a dozen musicians but the eventual target is around 60.

Classes are held on Saturday at the school from 10am to noon for free.

Mr Joseph said the idea is that they are then expected to practice and bring into their respective schools or community the love, fun and techniques of playing in an ensemble.

“There is nothing more exciting than making music with lots of other people!” he said.

Mr Mingay, the orchestra conductor, said they are not only looking for more children to be part of the ensemble but also adult musicians or mentors to help individual orchestra members to improve their skills.

He also pointed out the importance of the support of parents in order to make this orchestra a success.

Ralista Hortere